We’ve all been there: Whether you have an imminent social event or you just have a serious lingering zit that won’t go away, getting rid of pimples fast is kind of a priority. And while there’s no proven way to miraculously rid yourself of facial activity overnight, there are plenty of products with which we’ve found great success. We can’t guarantee that these treatments are the definitive answer to the question of how to get rid of pimples overnight, but they will put you well on your way to clearer skin.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ($17, mariobadescu.com)
Perhaps the most beloved overnight acne treatment of all, the curious pink sediment at the bottom of the bottle (which resultantly leaves the telltale pink spot on your skin!) is responsible for this super effective product’s zit-zapping and blemish-healing properties. Salicylic acid works to dry out the whitehead, while calamine, camphor, sulfur, and zinc oxide work in conjunction to take care of the rest.

Murad Acne Spot Fast Fix ($16, murad.com)
While this treatment could technically be worn under makeup during the day, it is best worn at night during the skin’s most receptive hours when it can really work its magic. The high quantity of witch hazel in the formula means you can actually feel it working, but it also contains great burnet and allantoin to sooth inflammation without drying out the surrounding skin.

Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel ($49, dermalogica.com)
Not only does this gentle gel fight current breakouts, but it helps prevent future blemishes, too. Salicylic acid clears out the pores, and tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic, helps to soothe and inhibit bacteria that causes breakouts, while actually removing the pore-clogging material.

Suki Transformative Purifying Masque ($48.95, sukiskincare.com)
You would hope that when something is deemed “transformative” it actually is, and we can confirm that that is the case with this overnight masque. This one even works like a charm on cystic acne, which is rare to find in a topical treatment that doesn’t require a prescription. It isn’t drying in the least, and tackles even those most painful under-the-skin types that nothing else helps. Essentially, this is one you should add to your acne-fighting arsenal ASAP.

]]>http://dailymakeover.com/how-to-get-rid-of-pimples-overnight/feed/0Vanessa Bruno bbt S13 004rachelkrause2014ImaxTree101 Things to Try for Clearer Skinhttp://dailymakeover.com/clearer-skin-101/
http://dailymakeover.com/clearer-skin-101/#commentsThu, 12 Mar 2015 15:30:27 +0000http://www.dailymakeover.com/?p=711189]]>The pursuit of clear, healthy skin never really ends. Our skin’s condition is cyclical, which means that what looks like perfect skin one week can be a total wreck the next. That’s exactly why we’ll never surrender in the fight against blemishes… nor will we have to, with these 101 (yes, 101) tried-and-true ways to get clearer skin. We bet you’ll find something amazing in here.

The Commandments

1. Give your skin a break. If you can bear to go without foundation or concealer for a few days, whether it’s the weekend or you’re on vacation, do it! It isn’t a myth that you need to give your skin a chance to detox and “breathe.”

2. Never go to bed with your makeup on. Like, ever. If that means keeping a pack of face wipes on your bedside table in the event of late nights, then by all means, go for it. Face wipes won’t get the job done quite as well as a real cleansing routine, but it’s a vast improvement from sleeping in your makeup.

3. Change your pillowcases. Think about it: When you toss and turn at night, your pillow picks up all kinds of oil and debris from your hair and skin, which you’re then exposing to your skin again. Changing your pillowcases or washing them regularly is the only way to keep them clean, and therefore from leaving bacteria on your skin.

4. Wipe down your phone. Don’t lie, we’ve all pulled our phone away from our face after a long call only to find a smear of foundation (and god knows what else) left behind. Using an antibacterial wipe with alcohol will help to keep your skin clear of breakouts on the side of your face which, let’s face it, are often directly caused by our phones.

5.Clean your makeup brushes. Seriously, at least once every two weeks. As with anything else that touches your face, makeup brushes pick up acne-causing bacteria over time, so give them a good wash with a gentle soap at least biweekly.

6.Exercise regularly. It’s not only important for your overall health (no surprise there), but all of the side benefits, from sweating regularly to increasing blood flow, will help to achieve clearer skin overall.

7.Drink water like it’s your job. Hydration is so crucial, especially when it comes to digestion and how well your skin functions. Drinking tons of water isn’t a miracle cure for your skin, but honestly, we think it may very well be the next best thing.

8.Get enough sleep.Beauty sleep is very real, and your skin needs time to rest, regenerate and heal overnight, which means three or four hours just won’t cut it. There are plenty of ways to improve the quality of your sleep as well, even if you’re already getting your standard eight hours.

9. Don’t pick, pop, or squeeze. Seriously. Don’t. Sit on your hands if you’re feeling tempted. Messing with pimples and pores results in skin damage, inflammation, and irritation, not better skin. If you have a whitehead that’s ready to go, use two Q-tips to gently squeeze around the area—your fingers will only leave bacteria behind and increase the chance of infection.

10.Stop touching your face. Avoid leaning on your hands at your desk or touching a zit that you can feel coming to the surface. Again, the oils on your hands are full of blemish-causing bacteria, and nothing good can come from putting that all over your face.

11.Wash your hair before you wash your face. It’s one super-simple change to your showering routine that can make a world of difference by reducing your skin’s exposure to potentially pore-clogging ingredients found in conditioners.

12.Wear sunscreen. Seriously. Don’t just wait until summertime—wearing SPF every day will keep your skin looking younger longer, and will prevent sun spots and scars from developing.

13.Wash your face before and after exercising. Don’t underestimate the importance of the before wash! Makeup and debris that’s gathered on your face over the day, commingled with sweat, is a one-way ticket to more blemishes than you bargained for. Wash the day (or the night) off before you hit the gym, then give a quick, less intensive rinse after.

14.Quit smoking. If there’s one thing on this list that you take to heart, ditch the cigarettes (Diane Kruger says so). Even if you’re laissez-faire about your health (which you shouldn’t be!), consider the vanity concerns. Smoking guarantees wrinkles, dryness, and premature aging, not to mention the clogged pores from, you know, the toxins in your body and on your skin.

15.Clean your glasses and sunglasses. Anything that comes in contact with your face should be cleaned regularly. Be sure to wipe down the bridge and frames of glasses and sunglasses after wear so that you don’t transfer the lingering bacteria to your skin once you put them on again.

16.Toss out your makeup and skin care after the expiration date. It’s tempting to keep unfinished products long past their expiry when they’re nowhere near empty, but the heartbreaking truth is that, most of the time, it’s best just to trash them to ensure your products haven’t been exposed to bacteria.

17.Mind your ingredients, and do your research! There are countless ingredients that can be damaging to skin and cause breakouts that fly under the radar—and, alarmingly, can even be found in products that are touted as “anti-acne.” Know what works for your skin and what doesn’t, and avoid known comedogenic ingredients.

18.Relax and destress. Stress is one of the primary causes of health concerns overall, acne very much included. Destressing is far easier said than done, but it’s important to find a solid source of relaxation, whether it’s a long bath or a long treadmill session.

19.Don’t wait until bedtime to wash your face. Washing your face once in the morning and once before you hit the sack at night may seem like the right thing to do, and it isn’t necessarily the wrong thing, but it’s better to wash your face as soon as you get home so that the day’s grime doesn’t linger any longer than necessary.

20.Wash your bangs every day. Or literally as soon as they start to get greasy. An eyebrow-grazing fringe is one of the biggest culprits of forehead breakouts, so be sure to give them a good shampooing as often as needed to keep dirt and oil away from your skin.

21.Use lukewarm water. Too hot and you’ll risk dryness and irritation, too cold and you’ll risk broken blood vessels (and you won’t be able to lather anything, ever). Find the right middle ground, then use a slightly cooler temperature for a final rinse to close pores.

22. Exfoliate regularly, but don’t overdo it. Exfoliating really is important, but because skin feels so smooth after, it can be easy to get hooked on the feeling and get a little crazy with the scrub. If you have sensitive skin, limit your exfoliation to once a week; if not, you can probably get away with two or three times a week. (And be sure to find the right scrub for your skin!)

23.Be proactive. Just because you don’t have a breakout doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be applying your topical treatments and taking care of your skin with regularity. The best way to fight breakouts is to prevent them from occurring in the first place, and the only way to do that is by staying on top of things.

24.See your gynecologist. Hormones play a huge role in certain types of acne, and if you’re breaking out like you’ve never broken out before, it’s time to call your doctor. It’s normal to get more zits before and during your period, but if you tend to get your worst breakouts around your chin and cheek area, a visit to your gynecologist should be your first stop.

25.If nothing helps, go to a dermatologist. It may sound obvious, but if you’ve tried a ton of over-the-counter products and treatments, seeing a derm could give you the answers—and prescriptions—you really need.

Diet and Health

26.Eat plenty of leafy greens. They’re packed with essential vitamins and minerals that help to keep your skin glowing and your entire body in check. Also? Salads are delicious!

27.Steer clear of sugar. Cutting back on sweets, particularly foods and candies full of added sugar, reduces the inflammation caused when your blood sugar spikes. Glucose also weakens the skin’s collagen, resulting in drier, less supple-looking skin. Are M&Ms really worth it?

28. Avoid dairy. Milk is yet another inflammatory ingredient, and the hormones in cow’s milk are absorbed into the blood stream and can affect your androgens, worsening your acne. If you’re a cheese or ice cream lover, it may be a tough pill to swallow, but with so many delicious alternatives like coconut and almond milk on the market, limiting your dairy consumption should be a little bit easier.

29. Reduce your alcohol intake. Again, the sugars in alcoholic beverages wreak havoc on your skin, and if you’ve ever found yourself desperately parched the morning after, then you can only imagine how dehydrated your skin is, too.

30.Load up on omega-3s. Plenty of “good fats” are the perfect foundation for any diet, and they work absolute wonders on skin by helping to maintain hydration and minimize the body’s inflammatory response.

31.Take a probiotic supplement. Gut bacteria and pH balance are key for maintaining good skin health, because the more good bacteria you have, the less “bad” bacteria has a chance to grow. Acne often occurs as a result of the “bad” bacteria in our intestinal tracts outnumbering the good, so probiotics do a great job of curbing breakouts caused by digestive imbalances.

32.Try prebiotics, too. Cover all the bases by adding probiotics to your diet, too. They’re a special form of dietary fiber, sourced from plants, that act as a sort of “fertilizer” to encourage the growth of good bacteria already contained in your digestive system.

33.Sweat. A lot. You’ll sure feel dirty, but when you sweat, your pores actually open to release bacteria and grime. Just be sure to wash your face afterward to keep all that stuff from lingering on the surface.

34.Eat avocados. If we must. They’re rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, and they’re super versatile when it comes to incorporating them into meals and recipes. They even make a great snack eaten plain with a bit of salt or red pepper, and we shouldn’t even have to mention the fact that they’re responsible for guacamole.

35.Eat tomatoes, too. The high water content makes them naturally hydrating, and their lycopene content helps to fight sun damage on a cellular level while encouraging the skin’s absorption of oxygen.

36.Include spices in your recipes. Many of them contain powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties—you may be surprised by just how good that Indian food actually is for you.

37.Try turmeric. If you’re going to add any one spice to your cabinet, make it this one. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic qualities make it the “wonder spice” to try for clearer, glowier skin. You can even use it as a topical treatment in DIY recipes.

38. Fill up on berries. Antioxidants are the word, and all berries from standard blueberries to fancy acai and goji are incredibly beneficial—you don’t have to shell out big bucks at a health food store to reap the benefits of super-fruits.

39.Eat whole grains. Skip the processed white bread and opt instead for seven-grain varieties, which are packed with fiber to promote a healthy body overall. They’re also rich in B vitamins, which help to speed along the growth of new skin cells—exactly what you want for your skin!

40.Drink tea.Green tea, rooibos tea, chamomile tea—they’re all fair game, and they’re especially good if you tend to get bored of water throughout the day, as they’re flavorful and nutritious.

41. Try lemon water. Hydration is an obvious priority, but paired with vitamin C-rich lemon, water will help to fight bad bacteria in a whole new way. You’d think that citrus fruits would increase the body’s acidity, but it’s actually the opposite—lemon works to balance pH levels and reduce acidity. They’re also a natural diuretic, so they promote faster processing and removal of toxins.

42.Eat dark chocolate. Once rumored to be a factor behind acne, chocolate is actually antioxidant-rich and totally skin-safe, provided you’re consuming the real stuff and not the sugar-laden milky version.

43. Chow down on nuts. They’re a major source of fatty acids, so feel free to snack on walnuts and almonds throughout the day with zero guilt.

44.Drink red wine. It’s full of polyphenols, which help to prevent the sort of accelerated cell damage that ages the skin. Pairing your favorite red with a topical benzoyl peroxide treatment can even help to make irritation and sensitivity from topical acne-fighting creams less likely to occur.

45.Avoid high glycemic foods. They’ve been shown to cause a rapid rise in blood sugar and insulin spikes, both of which result in serious skin inflammation.

46.Work pumpkin into your diet—particularly the seeds. They’re high in fatty acids and vitamin E, as well as zinc, which helps to control hormone levels and oil production.

47.Make fish your main source of animal protein. Chicken and steak come with their own host of issues, like the question of hormone changes, but it’s harder to go wrong with fish, which is an amazing source of essential fatty acids.

48.Eat more eggs. They’re full of amino acids, which work to generate protein within your skin cells and strengthen the skin’s tissue.

49.Check your medicine cabinet. If you’re on any kind of prescription medication, do some research to see if it could be a hidden cause of breakouts. Many medications have acne and chapped lips as listed side-effects, while it may be rare but known in others. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re in doubt.

50. Keep it clean. Try to eat as many “real” foods as possible, rather than opting for fast-food, processed food and ready-made meals; fill your diet with fruits, veggies, and whole grains instead. Delicious and beneficial!

Ingredients to Try

51.A retinoid. These vitamin A derivatives unclog pores and speed up the process of cell turnover. Prescription strength is best, but there are excellent department store versions, too.

54.Alpha hydroxy acids. They break down dead, damaged skin cells and help to clear the skin with gentle exfoliation.

55.Honey. Winnie the Pooh was onto something! It’s one of the most underrated DIY skin care ingredients—hydrating, antiseptic, and all-natural, just slather it on your face for the all-encompassing homemade treatment of your dreams.

56.Aspirin. It makes sense—aspirin reduces inflammation in your body, so applied topically, it does the same for your skin. Its active ingredient is acetylsalicylic acid, a compound almost exactly like the one found in OTC acne treatments. Crush several tablets and mix in with water or a tablespoon of honey for a cheap, effective at-home treatment.

57.Yogurt. The bacterial fermentation results in lactic acid, which helps to kill bacteria and cleanse the skin from deep within the pores. Slather it on your face as a mask (mix with honey for best results!) and reap the gently exfoliating benefits.

58. Tea tree oil. Often used as an antiseptic, tea tree oil can be drying, so be sure to only use it as a targeted spot treatment on blemishes. Still, it’s less harsh than benzoyl peroxide, and results in less itching and irritation.

59.Sulfur. It may smell a bit unpleasant, but it works like a charm to draw oil out of the pores and inhibit growth of the bacteria that causes acne.

60.Apple cider vinegar. Applied topically, the malic acid that naturally occurs in ACV during the fermentation process works as an antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral treatment that balances the skin’s pH balance and production of sebum.

61.African black soap. Don’t underestimate this affordable, easily accessible, unsuspecting bar of soap. The all-natural ingredients used as the traditional base for the treatment have been used for centuries to treat a multitude of skin ailments as a sort of “miracle cure”—and it may, indeed, seem like a miracle.

62.Egg whites. The same source of protein that composes your omelette can be slathered on the face to cleanse the skin by lifting dirt and debris and absorbing excess oil. Who knew?

63.Azelaic acid. Found in numerous over-the-counter treatments, as well as prescription lotions and creams, azelaic acid is the wonder drug for nipping blemishes in the bud before they even start. It slays bacteria that infects pores and decreases production of keratin, which can lead to acne development.

64.Benzoyl peroxide. The classic favorite can be found in plenty of products all over the spectrum, from the affordable to the luxurious, and though it can be quite drying, it is a supremely effective way to rid skin of most breakouts.

66.Salicylic acid. Another beloved, easy-to-find acne treatment, salicylic acid works by encouraging the shedding of the top layers of the skin, taking the blemish with it. Because it’s also an anti-irritant, it’s less likely to aggravate sensitive skin than most other over-the-counter treatments.

67.Jojoba and other oils. Somewhat counterintuitively, skin-friendly oils mimic the skin’s natural oils, thereby regulating the skin’s oil production. You made need to work to find the right oil combination for you, though, so don’t stress if you don’t get it right immediately!

69.Aloe. If aloe isn’t a cure-all, then we don’t know what is. The plant helps to facilitate healing (perfect if you’ve picked at your skin) and reduce inflammation while decreasing the potential for scarring.

70.Garlic. With its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, garlic kills the very type of bacteria that causes acne, but isn’t recommended for very sensitive skin as it can result in a burning sensation.

72. Avoid alcohol. Products containing alcohol, particularly toners, might actually be making your skin worse. That “tight,” squeaky-clean sensation you feel after using an astringent is actually super drying and can result in excess oil production. Try a natural witch hazel and rosewater toner instead, like the classic Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel with Organic Aloe Vera in Rose Petal.

73.Don’t neglect the rest of your body! Use a body wash containing salicylic acid, like Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub, to fight acne elsewhere on the body. Hey, it happens to everyone—stop it when it does!

74.Think overnight. For particularly large or irritated bumps, use an overnight drying treatment like the cult favorite Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. It’ll reduce inflammation and minimize redness by morning.

76.Visit the drugstore. For an affordable over-the-counter option that really works, you can’t go wrong with Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Maximum Strength. It’ll target blemishes and stop them in their tracks before they even get a chance to show.

77.Get a great mask. If clogged pores and blackheads are an issue for you, invest in a pore-clearing clay mask that’ll really suck the debris out—we love Origins Clear Improvement, which we can personally attest actually works to draw out impurities.

78. Look at the ingredients. Avoid products containing pore-clogging ingredients like mineral oil, which creates the “feeling” of smooth, moisturized skin but works by trapping the moisture into your skin… and everything else along with it. Opt instead for more natural ingredients, like those in Korres Greek Yoghurt Moisturizing Face Cream

79. Rethink your foundation. Literally. Jane Iredale Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream is perfect for those who suffer from moderate to severe acne—it won’t irritate or clog pores, so it’s a super safe way to completely conceal and even out your skin tone without having to worry about potential problems.

80. Fight with pads. If blemish-fighting pads make you think of the super astringent, stinging versions of yore, it’s time to reconsider. Try a gentler, higher-end version, like Dr. Dennis Gross One Step Acne Eliminating Pads, which target every kind of acne (hormonal, stress-related, genetic).

81.Prepare the canvas. Wearing an anti-acne gel under your moisturizer can help you keep things clear throughout the day—this way you won’t remove your regular makeup only to find a lunar landscape that wasn’t there before. We can’t recommend Kate Somerville HydraClear Hydrating Acne Gel enough—it provides a light moisturizer and fights breakouts, so it’s basically perfect in every way.

82.Invest in your tools. A gentle cleansing tool can be just the thing you need to really deep clean your skin to make your topical products more effective. We’re partial to the Foreo LUNA for Sensitive/Normal Skin, a low-frequency pulsating brush that delivers the gentlest yet most efficient exfoliation we’ve ever experienced.

84. Cover your bases with a major mask. If you want a treatment mask that does it all, Suki Transformative Purifying Masque has the answer to all your problems. Whether it’s simply clogged pores or cystic blemishes that are plaguing you, this mask uses salicylic acid and kaolin clay (which you remember from earlier!) to extract impurities and reduce the appearance of breakouts while balancing pH, sebum, and bacteria.

85. Get steamy. A hot cloth followed by rich cleanser not only feels great on the skin, but the combination of warm steam and a creamy deep cleansing formula is super-effective for ridding the skin of grime and removing makeup in one swipe. Our favorite is Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish—the cleanser’s texture is perfect, and the eucalyptus scent is beyond soothing.

86. Up your serum game. Moisturizing is incredibly important, but if you have oily skin, then it’s easy to feel like many standard moisturizers are slick on your face. Ew. A lightweight hydrating serum like Eve Lom Intense Hydration Serum can take the place of moisturizer in your twice-daily routine to help your skin maintain moisture without heaviness.

The most notable thing about the makeup-free photo Taylor Swift posted to Instagram isn’t the fact that she isn’t wearing makeup, but rather that her cat Meredith is asleep on her shoulder. Too cute. [Us]

If you’ve ever suffered from painful, cystic hormonal acne, then you’ll know full well that it’s one of the most dreadful beauty problems to deal with. These little-known facts will help you learn a little bit more about the frustrating affliction. [Beauty High]

Lea Gabrielle is currently a Fox News reporter, but she used to be a fighter pilot and intelligence operations officer for the U.S. Navy. Here, she gives a little bit of insight into what your beauty routine is like when you’re a member of the armed forces. [Allure]

Beyond the usual summer makeup offerings, NARS will also be launching a collection of matte black temporary tattoos, just in time for festival season. [POPSUGAR Beauty]

Uma Thurman was a headline fixture earlier this week courtesy of her “new look,” which many speculated could be the result of plastic surgery. Troy Surratt, the actress’s longtime makeup artist, explained how he created the look with makeup brushes, not needles. [Us]

If you’ve found yourself developing acne on your chest and back, certain ingredients in your conditioner could be to blame. [Beauty High]

Selma star Carmen Ejogo told Oprah that she’s been known to take multiple baths in a day. We hate to break it to her, but so much soaking is a clear path to drying out your skin. [People]

This clay mask sucks out oil, reduces the size of pores, and comes from a 9,000-year-old moor in Ireland. Sold. [The Cut]

There’s a common myth that those with acne-prone skin should steer clear of face oils. While we don’t recommend you lather your face with the stuff, using oil correctly (and the right kind) will leave your complexion clearer and more radiant than ever. Allow us to explain.

First, many make the mistake of grouping acne-prone and oil-prone skin types together. However, you can be one without the other. “Some people with acne have combination skin,” says New York-based dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman. “Their skin is dry in some areas and oily in others,” mostly the T-zone. An essential oil will obviously work well to “balance out the dry area of the acne-prone skin.” However, get this—certain oils will even help to treat the acne itself.

Bergamot oil is a natural antibiotic and disinfectant. “This makes the oil great for those with acne, as it helps to kill the bacteria on the skin before it can react to create blackheads and pimples,” says Skin Authority CEO, Founder and Product Formulator Celeste Hilling. “Bergamot has an added property of helping to control excess oil production in the skin, attacking acne from two sides.” Try Skin Authority Oil Nutrient for Face, Hair & Nails ($29, skinauthority.com), an essential oil cocktail which includes bergamot. It’s so light, it leaves no greasy residue behind.

Dr. Neal Schultz adds tea tree oil to the acne products in BeautyRx line because it also boasts anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The amount is so small he doesn’t even include them on the ingredients list—although the effect is amazing. “Adding 1/10 of one percent is not going to cause [more oil or acne].”

Bottom line: don’t fear essentials oils. However, be conscious that you don’t need a lot. Essential oils are so concentrated that all you need is a drop or two to reap these amazing anti-bacterial benefits. Now that’s beautiful.

Probiotics have been touted for years as the key to a healthy digestive system, whether we get them in pill form or work them into our diets by consuming things like kombucha and kefir. They even offer the solution to a simple, hunger pang-free detox when we don’t have the patience or willpower for a juice cleanse. These healthy bacteria maintain the function of the intestines and support the immune system, which not only promotes health, but clear skin as well. You are what you eat, after all—and naturally, so is your skin. Now, experts recommend applying probiotics topically, too, for even better results.

“Probiotics can affect the health and appearance of the skin,” says Dr. Neal Kitchen, the Executive Vice President of Strategy and Development at HydroPeptide. “For example, the inflammation causing acne and rosacea can be tempered through probiotics because they stabilize the lining of the intestinal walls and limit the growth of inflammatory-inducing microorganisms.” Because they combat inflammation and harmful bacteria, they improve skin clarity, eliminate dryness, and enhance anti-aging effects.

Through recent studies, The American Academy of Dermatology has found that topical application also decreases skin sensitivity and redness, and can result in a reduced appearance of fine lines. HydroPeptide has formulated a peptide preservative that includes a probiotic extract. Dr. Kitchen says that it has been proven to increase collagen and protein production, as well as improve oxygen intake—this means more sufficient cell renewal and skin healing.

Dr. David E. Bank, a board-certified dermatologist and author of “Beautiful Skin: Every Woman’s Guide to Looking Her Best at Any Age,” adds that topical versions help fight acne bacteria directly. “[Acne bacteria] sits in the sebaceous oil glands and causes pimples and zits,” he explains, and the healthy bacteria helps to combat it.

For those who like a good DIY, Dr. Bank has just the thing—he says, “You can mix Greek yogurt with baking soda and apply to the face as a mask for 20 minutes a day.” Rinse thoroughly and you’re well on your way to perfect skin, courtesy of probiotics.

]]>http://dailymakeover.com/topical-probiotics/feed/0Kombucha-HPmenshinskiymRyan J. Lane/E+/Getty Images10 Acne Products and Treatments That Really Workhttp://dailymakeover.com/acne-skin-care-product-reviews/
http://dailymakeover.com/acne-skin-care-product-reviews/#commentsWed, 17 Dec 2014 14:01:00 +0000http://dm.sg.umbrella-web.com/acne-skin-care-product-reviews/]]>The only thing worse than waking up to less-than-clear skin each day is spending our hard-earned money on acne products that don’t get the job done. We went through our own medicine cabinets to bring you acne treatments that actually work, from the low-budget affordable to the totally luxurious. No matter which side of the spectrum you choose, these products promise to turn your struggles around, stat.]]>http://dailymakeover.com/acne-skin-care-product-reviews/feed/0hpclearskinmenshinskiym10 Weird Things You Never Knew About Your Face Cleanserhttp://dailymakeover.com/face-cleanser-facts/
http://dailymakeover.com/face-cleanser-facts/#commentsMon, 25 Aug 2014 18:28:17 +0000http://dm.sg.umbrella-web.com/face-cleanser-facts/]]>

Photo: Getty Images

Your daily facial cleansing routine may appear to be the simplest and easiest part of the beauty routine, and if done correctly, it can promote a healthy glow. Finding the right cleanser for your skin type is very important but that is only the first step. Equally important is knowing how to properly cleanse your face.

1. Time matters.Many people are very quick with their cleanser, says Kim Grustas, founder of Good For You Girls Natural Skincare. They must slow down and allow the cleanser to work into the skin to break up the oils and sebum. The cleanser “lifts” dirt out of pores, but only if you allow it time to grab the grime.

2. It works best when you start with clean hands.Keep bacteria and dirt from hands off your face by washing hands, and then be sure to rinse all of the soap off before moving on, so that chemicals from the hand soap do not react with the sensitive skin on your face.

3. Choosing the right cleanser is determined by your skin type.You may also want to consider the time of year that you’re using a particular cleanser, because your skin changes with the seasons. “Usually skin is oiler in the summer and drier in the winter, so I suggest changing your cleanser from season to season. When choosing the right cleanser, consider what you truly need from the right one. Do you want something anti-bacterial? Are you cleansing skin that is acne-prone or eczema-prone? Don’t stress too much over choosing the right cleanser as it’s only on your skin for less than a few minutes with each cleansing, twice a day (hopefully), as opposed to a moisturizer or night cream which stays on the skin for at least eight hours or more,” says Dr. David Bank, a dermatologist and author of Beautiful Skin: Every Woman’s Guide to Looking Her Best at Any Age and founder and director of The Center For Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery in Mt. Kisco, NY.

5. Your face does not end at your chin.Cleansers should be used on your neck, chest and shoulders.

6. There’s an order to cleaning the face.
Work fingertips in a circular motion along the face and neck. It is important to be gentle so that skin does not get irritated. By rubbing in a circular motion, you massage the face, stimulating the blood and oxygen, says Dr. Bank.

7. Rinsing may be the most important step.
Rinse cleanser off by splashing lukewarm water on the face. Always rinse off your cleanser, never tissue off, says celebrity esthetician Renee Rouleau. “Cream-based tissue off cleansers aren’t as commonly found these days as they were years ago, but I never recommended them, because the residue that’s left behind when wiping off with a tissue provides an unnecessary residue that will prevent the important ingredients in your serums and moisturizer that follow from properly absorbing into the skin,” says Rouleau.

8. Cleanser can also be used to clean makeup brushes.Makeup brushes harbor bacteria. At least every two weeks you should clean your makeup brushes with your facial cleanser, so you are not depositing bacteria back onto your face. A facial cleanser as opposed to a harsh cleanser will care better for natural bristles, says Grustas.

9. It probably contains salt.
Table salt (sodium chloride) is a common ingredient in shampoo, bubble wash and facial cleansers (anything that foams). These products are made by combining specific surfactants (which act as foaming agents) and usually involve salt to reach to a level of viscosity (thickness of the product), says New York-based facialist Cecilia Wong.

10. …and sea gunk.
Diatomaceous earth, also known as dead algae, is commonly used in facial cleansers and exfoliators. It’s green and slimy, something you would find on the bottom of a fish tank, says Wong.

We’ve all been there: You wake up one morning to find your previously well-behaved skin looking like a combat zone. You’ve got zits, you’ve got irritation, one cheek is far too oily and the other is far too dry… well, it happens. Short of having a meltdown or dialing 911 (we repeat, do not dial 911), these five easy steps will have you well on your way to looking—and feeling—like yourself again. Crisis averted.

1. Wash with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser.
Whether you’re plagued with dryness and irritation or a breakout, a creamy cleansing milk with soothing ingredients like lavender, chamomile, rose, and cucumber will take the sting and redness out of things to give skin a fresh start without drying or aggravating further. Use your fingers to work the cleanser into your skin in soft circular motions, then rinse with lukewarm water.

2. Spritz on a calming toner.
Look for those same soothing ingredients in a toner that you can mist on rather than apply with a cotton ball or pad (the texture can be irritating to sensitized skin). Just be sure that your formula doesn’t contain alcohol, which will only serve to zap moisture from the skin and make matters worse—yes, even if you’re dealing with acne.

3. Mix up an oatmeal mask.
A cream containing colloidal oatmeal will also do, but for most of us, it’s easier to get our oatmeal fix from within our kitchens. Oatmeal balances the skin’s pH, and its healing anti-inflammatory properties make it the perfect way to address a wide variety of skin concerns. Blend colloidal oatmeal with hot water and honey, then leave the mask on your face for around 10 minutes. Rinse gently with tepid water, and pat rather than rub skin dry with a clean towel or cloth.

4. Treat the affected areas.
If you have a prescription retinol treatment for acne or cortisone for inflammation, now would be the time to apply it—just a pea-sized amount spread evenly on dry skin. Over-the-counter products should also be applied on dry skin before moisturizing, not after. Targeted treatments should always be applied nearest to the skin for maximum absorption.

5. Use a gentle moisturizer or oil.
Give the treatment a few minutes to sink in before you moisturize. A lightweight, soothing moisturizer or oil is beneficial to all skin types as it won’t clog pores nor exacerbate irritation. We love argan oil for its super light hydrating properties as well as the way it mimics the natural oils in our skin. Warm a few drops between your fingertips and pat gently over your face, concentrating on troubled areas, then keep your hands off!

Those who have never had acne have no idea what the rest of us are dealing with on a regular basis. Let’s put it this way: We’re never not thinking about our skin. It’s a frustrating, difficult and often painful journey, but the fact of the matter is a lot of us are going through it. As we learn how to deal with acne, there are about eight things that run through our heads every single day on the matter.

1. “Is today a good skin day?”
One of the first things that goes through your mind when you wake up is about the condition of your skin. You likely feel around your face for new or existing bumps before biting the bullet and looking into the mirror. The state of your skin in that exact moment tends to dictate your mood for the rest of the day.

2. “Will eating this affect my skin?”
Forget gluten-free. The most limited diet belongs to those with skin issues. Each and every thing you put in your mouth could have serious consequences that show up on your forehead and jawline. And the cruelest part of all is you don’t know what the offending food item is. Is it dairy? Is it chocolate? Will white bread cause a big breakout? The only way to really play it safe is to just stick to salads, and who wants to do that?

3. “Did I call in my prescription?”Topical acne medication is about the only thing that keeps your world from falling apart, so having it run out is never an option. Regular calls must be made to your pharmacy and dermatologist to make sure you’re never without.

4. “I should try this weird acne solution.”
You’ve spent more time than you care to admit perusing online acne discussion boards looking for the newest blemish-fighting trick. Apple cider vinegar? Drank it. Vitamins? Took ‘em. Face Peels? Yes (and ouch). But no matter how many strange tips you’ve tried, you’ll never stop trying until you find the one that works.

5. “I wonder how she keeps her skin so clear.”
You obsess over other people’s skin, wondering what products they use and what healthy habits they’re partaking in to get such nice skin. Here’s the answer: It’s probably genetics, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Not only will it make your friend/co-worker/cousin feel good to hear it, but maybe they do have some amazing tip to share. And on the bright side, that same person is probably secretly coveting your hair/purse/gorgeous lipstick.

6. “I should start drinking more water.”
How many celebrities have claimed that the secret to their perfect, well, everything is drinking more water? These magazine interviews lead you to chug as much as you can in a 12-hour period. Yes, it’s good to drink lots of water, and yes, it will probably help your skin in some way, but it is not a miracle cure. So stop beating yourself up about not finishing that gallon jug you keep on your desk.

7. “Will this product irritate my skin?”
Oh how you envy those who can use any skin care or makeup product they see without a thought as to how it will effect their skin. (True story: We once watched with horror as a friend applied greasy body lotion to her face. Her skin, of course, remained crystal clear.)

8. “If only I had that product…”
Having problematic skin makes you do crazy things, like, say, buy everything you see on TV that claims to cure acne. And the skin care aisle at drugstores calls out to you and convinces you that if you just buy one more product, your skin problems will be fixed. The thing we wish people had told us years (and many dollars) ago? Go see a dermatologist. They are remarkably helpful when it comes to finding a skin care solution.